27

In 1865, Antoine Rousseau abandons his business. Clocks with wooden mechanisms are no longer popular because people prefer those with metal mechanisms. Charles-Alfred buys Rousseau's company and begins the great adventure of working for himself and establishing his own business. His ingenuity and business flair will allow him to develop a flourishing enterprise whose reputation will extend far beyond regional borders.

His factory is powered by a windmill and by an animal-driven wheel. A winter shop, a forge, a barn and a stable are also part of the site. The rapid success of this new entrepreneur is in keeping with the new momentum in the agricultural industry.

28

A drawing of the first Desjardins factory at Pointe-Sèche
Around 1865
Saint-Germain de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
The Archives de la Côte-du-Sud et du Collège de Sainte-Anne
The Desjardins Private Collection
Artist: Unknown

29

Émilie Dumont, wife of Charles-Alfred Roy, known as Desjardins
13 September 1909
Saint-André de Kamouraska (Québec), Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
The Hélène Fillion Martin Collection
Photographer: Stanislas Belle, Fraserville (Québec)

30

From the outset, Charles-Alfred often has to travel for business purposes, from Pointe-Sèche where he lives, to the neighbouring village of Saint-André. However, there are reasons other than professional ones for these frequent visits. It is in Saint-André that he meets the person who will share his life for many years. Émilie Dumont is the daughter of Rémi Dumont and Léa St-Pierre. Their wedding is celebrated in the church of Saint-André on August 12, 1867.